1 John 4:18a – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. (NKJV)

Matthew 21:15-16 – But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'?" (NKJV)

"This sure has beena good Christmas,"quoth he,"Merry Christmaseverybody;"and a breath he drew,"and the Grinch didn't steal Christmas!"Now he withdrewfor his speech was through.

Storybook fears,defeated by love,had left in their placevictory from above.And adult amaze:"Out of the mouths of babes,God-perfected praise!"And lingering love,as the descent of the Dove.

The Grinch in Dr. Seuss's storybook, "How The Grinch Stole Christmas," determined to end Christmas. He stole all the presents and food from the houses of all the Whos in Whoville. Then he viewed all the Whos still out merrily singing, and decided Christmas means more:

The Grinch's small heartGrew three sizes that day!He whizzed with his load through the bright morning lightAnd he brought back the toys! And the food for the feast:And he … HE HIMSELF …The Grinch carved the roast beast. THE END.

The Grinch experiences a kind of conversion and joins in the Christmas celebration.

My little great-nephew, as he revealed in his speech from his stool, had possibly experienced some fear of the Grinch, and had not quite realized the fulfilling end of Dr. Seuss's book, until he personally had met the love and joy and peace of a "good Christmas" celebration of the birth of Jesus.

"Perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:18b)

Only God shows us perfect, no-fear love: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Let us share the love that John wrote of in his letter of encouragement: "God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment." (1 John 4:16b-17a)

Prayer: Lord, thank You for taking little children up in Your arms, loving them, and ordaining praise from them to "silence the enemy and the avenger" (Psalm 8:2b). Make us to be like Jesus. Cause that we may encourage children and others "young in the faith". May we love one another, for love is from You. Amen.

1 Comment

Thanks Isabel for sharing this devotional with us. Blessings.
Great truths, Isabel. And by the way, that’s my favorite cartoon.
What a lovely poem.
Thank you for sharing this gift with us.
Thank you for today’s devotional, Isabel.
May you and all you love, have a Peaceful, Blessed Christmas.
Thank you, Isabel. This is just great. I am sending it to some friends.
Blessings.
Thank You for your love-ly message this morning!
May you walk this day, and every one of your days, in the Peace, LOVE, and care of Christ. Amen.
(Ontario)
Dear Isabel,
What a delightful poem inspired by your great nephew! Thank you for sharing a valuable lesson of love and simple childlike faith.
Blessings.

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Today's Verse

Leviticus 19:32 – Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord. (NIV)